Bulls guard Derrick Rose absorbed additional contact during Tuesday's practice as he continues to make solid strides in his return from a knee injury, the Chicago Tribune reports. Rose has been sidelined all season while recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee he suffered in the playoff last May. "Derrick went to the next step today, did more contact," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "But everyone has to be patient. He’s doing fine. He’s playing more, practicing more. We want him to concentrate on his rehab. We want the team to continue concentrating on improvement and the next opponent. Nothing has changed."

Analysis: With positive updates seemingly popping up on a daily basis for Rose, a return to game action could be on the horizon during the next month. Thibodeau has remained cautious with the 24-year-old throughout every stage of his recovery and said Tuesday he will require an extended period in full-contact practices -- when he is finally cleared for those workouts. "You have to make sure he can handle this intensity first and then we'll go from there," the coach said. "He’s doing great. He has shown great patience." Rose, who has averaged better than 20 points per game in each of the past three seasons, should remain reserved in all Fantasy formats at this point.